Why bother talking about “The Final Act” of history? (that of the end times and the second coming of Christ) “The Final Act” Course

1.Both the Bible and Jesus give it high priority.

“If we aren’t acquainted with the end of the script, we can grow fearful and complacent in the play.” 2. As Max Lucado argues,

Be alert, keep watch, pray, be prepared, be ready, don’t be deceived, don’t be alarmed, occupy until I come, persevere, faithfully endure, and overcome 3. Regarding the end of the age and Christ’s return, Jesus repeatedly warns us to:

In this Ten Week Course called “The Final Act”, we will wrestle with sticky questions like: What about: - the rapture, the tribulation, & the millennium? - Israel? - the nephilim & UFO/alien phenomena? - a coming “New World Order” by a) a global elite? Or b) an Islamic agenda? - book of Revelation, the seals, trumpets & bowls? - revival, victorious church, harvest, transformation? - spectacular return of Jesus & His New World Order? -Where are we right now? What could we expect to see happen through this decade and beyond? - How do we prepare for our part in it all?

Homiletics Course Homiletics = “the art of preaching” Luke 9:1 “When Jesus had called the Twelve together, he gave them power and authority to drive out all demons and to cure diseases, and he sent them out to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.” Many of us have taken training courses in how to heal the sick, cast out demons, but not on how to more effectively communicate the good news of the Kingdom.

Paul said to Timothy, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity. Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to preaching and to teaching…”

Preaching and Teaching the Word of God entails both the preparation and the delivery of a life-giving message.

One of the challenges we face in seeking to communicate the good news is that the timeless truths of the Bible were written in an ancient time and culture while we live in the modern world of the 21 st century. So we must seek to become bridge-builders and bridge the gap between these two worlds

 Hook  Book  Look  Took

Last week’s awesome Messages: James : “This will be a house of Overcomers”! Rev. 2 & 3, “Overcomers will rule & reign with Christ” A shift, a release into a season of new things Trevor : Today is significant, God calling out our potential, conception, travail, pregnant with the prophetic word of God & with the government of God.

“Training for Reigning” by Learning to be Overcomers Aug. 11/13 John Arnott: pick your favourite Bible hero, none had “a walk in the park”! They all had to overcome adversity (bitter or better for it) Today, millions have dropped out, ill-prepared for hardships & spiritual warfare. Training for Reigning. What city or cities do you want to rule in the Millennium?

Students are back in school to learn the 3 Rs. What are the 3 Rs? Today, I want us to look at the 3 Rs of our spiritual warfare. (of dealing with adversity and challenges)

The 3 R’s of Giant Killing For the Purpose of Training for Reigning David and Goliath 1 Sam.17

The 3 R’s of Giant Killing # 1 David REFUSED to agree with the lies of the enemy

The 3 R’s of Giant Killing # 1 David REFUSED to agree with lies of the enemy a) from the pessimists in his own camp - older brothers (1 Sam.17:28) - political leader – King Saul (v.33)

The 3 R’s of Giant Killing # 1 David REFUSED to agree with lies of enemy a) from the pessimists inside his own camp b) from opposition Outside the camp (vs ; verbal abuse, intimidation)

The 3 R’s of Giant Killing # 1 He REFUSED to agree with lies of enemy, inside & out # 2 He Recited Past Victories with God God’s faithfulness (Lion and the bear vs ) (Rev. 12 Overcame by the word of their testimony)

The 3 R’s of Giant Killing # 1 He Refused to agree with the enemy # 2 He Recited Past Victories with God # 3 He REALIZED who he was – In covenant with God (vs. 26, )

“The Battle belongs to the Lord” vs. 47 A Covenant involved: shedding of blood, a meal, oath An exchange of clothes, weapons, enemies Steve Atkinson, August 25/13 “Nothing is too big for Him to overcome And nothing is too small for Him to use! (what’s in your hand? Moses - a stick; David - a slingshot)

Definition of Pride: “An estimation of yourself that is out of touch with Reality” Definition of Humility: “Agreeing with God as to who you are in Christ” (covenant, scriptural & prophetic words regarding identity & destiny)

Realizing, Knowing Who You Are and Facing Your Giants Head On!

The 3 R’s: Refuse Recite Realize Q: What giant are you facing today?